JOSEPH CAMPBELL
Joseph Campbell Interviews
More than any other single individual, Joseph Campbell brought mythology into the American mainstream, significantly affecting our perceptions of the world around us and our shared human experience. He was featured in the six-part PBS series, “Power of Myth” hosted by Bill Moyers, and is the author of many books on mythology including: The Hero With A Thousand Faces, The Mythic Image, and The Masks of God.
LISTEN TO THE INTRO:
The Interviews
From 1975 – 1985, Joseph Campbell participated in a series of interviews with Michael Toms, founder of New Dimensions Radio. In these interviews, they explore the great stories of mythological figures, how myth can teach us to “follow our bliss” and live a fulfilled and meaningful life, and to know our future through the lens of mythology.
These interviews provide a thorough basis for understanding the power of mythology and how it is applied to the human condition. They are designed to be listened to many times so the meaning and significance of Joseph Campbell’s ideas can be effectively considered.
Joseph John Campbell (March 26, 1904 – October 30, 1987) was an American professor of literature at Sarah Lawrence College who worked in comparative mythology and comparative religion. His work covers many aspects of the human experience. Campbell’s best-known work is his book The Hero with a Thousand Faces (1949), in which he discusses his theory of the journey of the archetypal hero shared by world mythologies, termed the monomyth.
Since the publication of The Hero with a Thousand Faces, Campbell’s theories have been applied by a wide variety of modern writers and artists. His philosophy has been summarized by his own often repeated phrase: “Follow your bliss.” He gained recognition in Hollywood when George Lucas credited Campbell’s work as influencing his Star Wars saga.
POWER OF MYTH: with Bill Moyers
By Joseph Campbell, PH.D
Book Overview
The Power of Myth is a book based on the 1988 PBS documentary Joseph Campbell and the Power of Myth. The documentary was originally broadcast as six one-hour conversations between mythologist Joseph Campbell (1904–1987) and journalist Bill Moyers. It remains one of the most popular series in the history of American public television.
Interview 1 – A Conversation with Joseph Campbell
In this first interview, Joseph Campbell lays the groundwork for understanding the immeasurable value of myth to our lives.
Interview 2 – Myths, Personal Dreams, & Universal Themes
In this interview, Joseph Campbell reveals his insights into the realm of myth, the unconscious mind, and spirituality. He discusses understanding the world around us from a mythological perspective, and describes how heeding the “Call of the Hero” and “Following your Bliss” is the challenge of contemporary times.
Interview 3 – Mythological Musings
“Myths do not come from a concept system; they come from a life system…from where the heart is, and where the experience is” explains Joseph Campbell in this interview.
Interview 4 – The Myth of the Fool and Other Musings
In this interview, Joseph Campbell explains how being a hero means being authentic and true to one’s self.
Interview 5 – Myth as a Metaphor
Joseph Campbell discusses the power of myth as a metaphor, the primary functions of mythology, and how it operates in all our lives.
Interview 6 – Ancient Voices
In this interview, Joseph Campbell talks about his early interest in mythology and lays the foundation for understanding the world of myth.
Interview 7 –Call of the Hero
A hero’s mythic journey means taking a risk, leaving the wasteland behind, and living a spontaneous life. In this interview, Joseph Campbell explains the how the ‘Call of the Hero’ is at the center of the mythic journey.
Interview 8 – Man of a Thousand Myths
In this interview, Joseph Campbell talks about how taking the Hero’s journey leads one into the darkest part of the forest where true wisdom lies. He explains how following your heart’s longing is the challenge of contemporary times.
Interview 9 – Beyond Dogma: The Vision Quest Experience
Describing the nature of the vision quest, Joseph Campbell explores the authentic Western spirit and the relevance of myth in restoring our relationship with the natural world.
